Christchurch City Council has a history of taking climate action.
These actions provide valuable opportunities to share, learn and collaborate with other organisations and communities.
They also demonstrate the importance and power of collective action.
2008
In 2008 the Council established and began to implement the Sustainable Energy Strategy 2008 which will be revised in 2019.
2010
In 2010 the Council established and began to implement the Climate Smart Strategy 2010 which will be revised in 2019.
2011
In 2011 the Council crafted and was a founding signatory of the Local Government New Zealand Climate Change Declaration(external link) that has now been signed by 54 Mayors and Regional Council Chairs throughout New Zealand.
This outlines key principles and actions needed for addressing climate change.
2015
In 2015 the Council established and began to implement the Christchurch Energy Action Plan 2015 which will be revised in 2019.
2016
In 2016 New Zealand joined 196 other nations when it signed the Paris Accord. This aims to limit planetary warming to no more than 2 degrees to avoid the worst impacts of climate change for ourselves and future generations.
To achieve this goal, all communities and businesses need to rapidly transition to a low carbon economy reducing global emissions by more than 80% by 2050. This represents a significant challenge and opportunity for innovation, the green economy and for Christchurch.
Taking climate action will result in widespread benefits for our communities.
For example, it will bring about new jobs and business opportunities required to support a sustainable and future-proofed economy under new climatic conditions. An economy that supports strong connected communities where there are good levels of health and wellbeing, a reduction in waste and pollution, and a focus in improving our natural environment.
In short, it will help make Christchurch an even better place to live for generations to come.
2017
Christchurch joined 7,400 other cities in 2017 when it signed the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy(external link) which assists cities to manage emissions and to prepare for a changing climate.
Christchurch was also one of the first Rockefeller 100 Resilience Cities(external link) helping to prepare for our key resilience challenges.
Also, in 2017 the Council set itself the target to be net carbon neutral by 2030(external link).
2018
In February 2018, Christchurch City Council partnered with Yoogo to launch a 100% battery electric car sharing scheme for businesses and the public helping to change the way we travel and reducing carbon emissions.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)(external link) was hosted in Christchurch in March 2018 with a range public engagement events to learn about climate change from specialists from around the world.
Also, by the end of 2018 Christchurch City Council had adopted a new procurement policy encouraging suppliers to minimise waste, energy and greenhouse gases.
